Clarence Schampers, longtime Shawano Municipal Airport manager, was recently honored at a retirement party to commemorate his 54 years with the airport.

“I had just gotten my commercial license and was looking to build some time in the air,” Schampers said of his early days at the airport in May 1971. “Until you get 1,500 hours, there isn’t much anyone will let you do.”

Shawano County Board Chairman Tom Kautza voted no and Supervisor Heather Pahl abstained on a resolution to give county employees a 2% pay raise effective Oct. 1.

The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department is reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites and potential disease.

The first human West Nile virus (WNV) infection has been confirmed in a healthy blood donor from Shawano County whose blood screened positive for WNV.

NorthLakes Community Clinic received a $75,000 grant from the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund, and a $15,000 grant from the Funds for a Greater Green Bay. Both funds are part of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation and will support behavioral health counseling services for youths in Oconto County.

Al Stranz of the Oconto County Historical Society will tell of his work while a member of a Wisconsin DNR team managing the complete drawdown of the Stiles Pond when the Machickanee Advancement Association meets next.

The foliage was heavily polluted over many years by agricultural, industrial and community abuse. His presentation will include maps, pictures and graphics from his personal experience.

Shereen Siewert and her central Wisconsin news organization were sued for their accurate reporting. She eventually won her case, but not before racking up $180,000 in legal bills.

“I was named personally in the suit we faced, and the experience was harrowing,” Siewert, the founder and publisher of the Wausau Pilot and Review, wrote in an email.

Prescribed fires are scheduled for this fall in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, including two locations in Oconto County.

Four local firms are among 148 across the state competing in the 10th annual Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest.

The nominees were recently announced by the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce in partnership with Johnson Financial Group. The competition showcases the state’s $73.1 billion manufacturing industry.